Harvey (A MacLaughlin Family Novella Book 3) by Krystal Shannan Page B

to play at the unveiling and he was ranked number two on the game scoreboard. There was no way in hell Harbringer12 hadn’t gotten an invite.
    The cabby pulled up at the hotel. Harvey grabbed his bag from the seat next to him and handed the driver a couple of twenties. “Thanks for the ride and the chat, man.”
    “Have a good time.”
    “Will do.” He turned and shuffled into the hotel through the revolving door with all the other gamers piling in. By tomorrow morning this place would really be packed.
     
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    “We really appreciate you coming out, Ms. Hampton.” He held his hand out. “I’m Finn Harrison, director of events.”
    “Please call me Liv. It’s nice to meet you, Finn.” She glanced him up and down. The man was gorgeous, but slick. Probably used to getting any girl he winked at. She waved down the bar tender and ordered a Jack and Coke. Finn ordered the same. He’d followed her into the bar from the registration table.
    “How was your flight?”
    “Fine. Thank you.”
    “We look forward to having you as guest player at the unveiling.”
    “Thanks.” She smiled. “I look forward to playing tomorrow. But I would rather keep my identity anonymous.”
    “Of course. The panel tomorrow has cubbies. Best we could do to keep everyone separated.” He passed her a business card. “Just let me know if you need anything the hotel isn’t providing.” He turned to leave, but stopped. “Do you have dinner plans?”
    Her cheeks heated and she shook her head. “I—” She hadn’t been on a date in six months, not since her ex finally talked her into sleeping with him and it’d been horrible. She’d been a virgin and the ass hat had been a jerk about it. The experience was embarrassing and uncomfortable. He’d said she was a terrible lay and that he couldn’t believe he wasted six months of his life waiting on such a disappointment. At this point, she was fine with never having sex again. Certainly never with a guy like Finn Harrison.
    “I can pick you up at your door at eight then? What’s your room number? We can eat here in the hotel or go out.”
    The predatory glint in his eye made her uncomfortable and she shot a quick glance over his shoulder into the bustling hotel lounge. Escape was so close. A man with dark curly hair and striking blue eyes caught her attention. He looked familiar. From the plane?
    “I think I’m just going to get some practice in tonight. But thanks for the offer. I really appreciate it.” Get a clue, dude. Not interested.
    Finn looked disappointed, but not upset. “No problem. Just call me if you change your mind.” He winked and finished his drink.
    She nodded and smiled. At least he hadn’t been angry. He walked off and the blue-eyed stranger slid into the now empty barstool.
    “Hi!” He turned and glanced at Finn’s retreating form. “Was he bothering you?”
    “No, just trying to get me to hook up with him tonight.”
    “I hope you brushed him off.”
    She raised a suspicious eyebrow. “Why?”
    “Because I was hoping to run into you. You were on the plane from DFW this morning weren’t you?”
    “I was.”
    “Have we met before? I saw you on the plane and couldn’t figure out where I knew you from.”
    Damn. Why did the cute guy have to recognize her? She was trying to avoid men for a while. Though, at least he didn’t give off the creepy-I-want-you-just-for-tonight vibe like Finn Harrison.
    “I don’t think we’ve met before.”
    “Harvey MacLaughlin,” he said, holding out his hand.
    She shook it and the butterflies in her stomach did a little dance. Her cheeks heated and she took a breath to regain her composure. Why was he putting her on edge? What was it about him? “My friends call me Liv,” she finally answered.
    He squeezed her hand gently and smiled. His touch sent electric currents of horniness straight to her nether regions. Damn. She shifted on the bar stool and crossed her legs, trying to alleviate some of her